Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) started their IPL 2024 campaign with a thrilling win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at their home in Kolkata on March 23. KKR defeated SRH by 4 runs in a last-over finish.
Phil Salt (54) and Andre Russell (64*) starred with the bat as KKR posted 208/7 in 20 overs. T Natarajan picked three wickets, while Mayank Markande took 2 scalps for SRH.
In reply, despite Heinrich Klaasen’s fiery 63 and openers Mayank Agarwal and Abhishek Sharma’s 32 each, SRH could only muster 204/7 in 20 overs and lost by just 4 runs. For KKR, Harshit Rana picked 3/33 and Andre Russell took 2/25.
KKR co-owner and Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan was present at the Eden Gardens stadium to see his team. He would take a victory lap around the ground after the game was done to greet the fans and thank them.
During this time, the Bollywood star met Russell, who was about to start his interview with IPL. Shah Rukh quickly hugged Russell, and they were all smiles after the victory.
On the other hand, Harshit Rana was the star with the ball, as he not only picked 2 wickets but successfully defended 13 runs in the final over, despite going for a six first ball. He dismissed both Klaasen and Shahbaz Ahmed in the over as well to ensure KKR won the match.
In an interview with IPL, Harshit revealed that his parents were in attendance to watch him play and also busted a myth he had.
Harshit talked about his parents and revealed a myth he used to have in his mind about them being in attendance. The Indian pacer said that he felt if they were watching him play, he would perform poorly.
“This is the first time my father and mother have come to watch me play. Before this, I used to think if they would watch me play, I would perform poorly," said Harshit.
Harshit, on the other hand, chose to invite his parents to the new season because he was starting the first game and wanted to show them how he performed.
"This season, I was playing in the first match. So I wanted to show them how I am performing in the first match," said Harshit.
"The heart rate was certainly high. The hope of the fans was on me and we didn't have much runs to defend," said Harshit.
Here is the video:
